Sticks-2-Schools helps fight childhood obesity by making exercise fun
Sticks-2-Schools, Inc. (S2S) is a nonprofit, 501(c)3 public benefit corporation. Our mission is to teach skills that promote the healthy balance of children's minds and bodies.
Beginning with the sport of lacrosse, we coordinate and lead the collaboration of sponsors, manufacturers, athletes, teachers and staff to support physical education programs in elementary, middle and high schools that will help achieve our goal of reducing childhood obesity.
Through the generosity of our corporate sponsors and private donors, we've given an estimated 40,000 youth at 78 San Francisco Bay Area Schools the opportunity to get fit by learning how to play lacrosse. We rely on tax-deductible contributions from businesses and individuals to support our programs.
Sticks-2-Schools Board of Directors
To minimize expenses and maximize the program's return on investment, Sticks-2-Schools has an all-volunteer Board of Directors.
Denise Watkins, S2S President
Denise has a BS in Mathematics from UC Irvine. After 18 years as a software and systems engineer and director in the satellite and wireless telecommunications industry, Denise launched her second career as a community volunteer, mother of three and owner of the Washington Stealth. Her experience in sports management began as a co-owner of the Primal Quest Adventure Racing organization. She is committed to proving that lacrosse is not just a sport, but also as a tool for child development. In addition to her responsibilities as an owner, she is active in the community as founder and president of the Pleasanton Schools Educational Enrichment Foundation and also serves as a board member for the Livermore Valley Performing Arts Center.
David Takata, S2S Treasurer
David Takata is in his second year as the President of the Stealth. In June 2007, David assisted the acquisition of the Stealth for its current owners, the Watkins Family, and has been involved as the family's advisor since the acquisition. In addition, he manages Engage Capital, Inc., a privately held investment firm. David serves on a number of corporate, advisory and philanthropic boards, including the Seattle Sports Commission and Sticks-to-Schools. He is a member of the NLL's Nominating, Governance, and Compensation Committee.
Doug Locker, S2S Vice President
Doug Locker enters his eighth year with the Stealth and second as General Manager of the Stealth. Locker manages all lacrosse operations issues coordinating scouting and draft preparation, contract negotiations, player transactions, coaching staff management and team travel.
Eric Venzon, S2S Board Member and Co-founder
Eric Venzon is the CEO/CFO of Teamwrkx, Inc., a provider of commercial construction, development, mechanical, and facilities management services. Eric's passion for community outreach is evident in his company's generous support of many local charities and causes, including funding the building of Escuela Rosada, a school for the poverty-stricken children in Honduras. He has been a pivotal leader in the progression of Sticks-2-Schools and personally funded the organization's journey to nonprofit status. Eric and his wife Natasha have two children, a two-year-old daughter and a 12-year-old son who, quite suitably, loves lacrosse.
Patrick Kernan, S2S Director
Sticks-2-Schools Program Coordinators
Breanna Kernan
Breanna Kernan is in her fourth season as the Director of Community Relations for the Stealth. A Division I soccer player at Colorado College, Breanna was named Conference USA All-Academic while majoring in Economics & Business with a minor in Education. (425) 322-2623.
Robin Claire
Robin is the Executive Assistant of Lacrosse Operations for The Washington Stealth. She has several years of experience in both sports and as an executive assistant and will be the contact listed on website. Contact Robin at rclaire@stealthlax.com or call (925) 460-8290 ext. 23060.
Sticks-2-Schools Program Instructors
Washington Instructors
Rhys Duch
Rhys Duch was drafted by the Washington Stealth starting with the 2009 season. He was 2009 Rookie of the Year and All Rookie Team Honors. Rhys also supported the S2S program during the 2009 season while it was still in San Jose. Rhys has been appointed as the S2S Player Coordinator for the S2S Program in Washington..
Jen Milus
Dr. Milus has been a sports coach for 15 years. She has coached softball, soccer, and is currently a lacrosse coach. She has trained men, women, and children to enhance their power, agility and strength while preventing and treating their injuries. Coach Milus started Blue Dog Lax in an effort to fill the need for the growth of the sport in the Bay Area. www.girlslax.org. Contact Jen at drjmilus@gmail.com.
Bob Mezeul
Bob has been active in Northern California lacrosse since 1980 and is President of Ironhead Lacrosse, LLC. In 2005, he founded Livermore Phantom Lacrosse Club where he has been building boys and girl’s junior lacrosse and remains on the Board as the Operations Manager. Bob has recently accepted the position of Head Coach for Boys Varsity Lacrosse at Granada High School in Livermore. To contact Bob, email bmezeul@comcast.net.
David Takata
Denise Watkins
Doug Locker
Eric Venzon